Kharkiv Mayor at Davos: Wartime Tax and Utility Hikes Are Unacceptable.

An Appeal from Kharkiv's Mayor

According to Novyny.live: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov addressed international partners at the World Economic Forum in Davos, arguing that raising utility rates and taxes for individual entrepreneurs (FOPs) during wartime is unacceptable. He stressed that in this difficult period, it is crucial to avoid shock decisions that could further burden people already carrying a heavy load. The city of Kharkiv has endured relentless shelling since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Economic Stability and Social Support

The head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities stated that tax increases during war are counterproductive and could harm economic stability. He also emphasized the urgent need to fund higher salaries for social workers, a critical aspect of maintaining the social sector amid ongoing hostilities. To achieve this, Terekhov said, amendments to Ukraine's State Budget are required.

Terekhov insisted that war is not the time for decisions that would only worsen the situation for citizens, and he called on international partners to focus on these issues. He added that the Ukrainian people are now defending not only their sovereignty but also European values, democracy, and an international order based on law and justice.

'Justice is also a weapon. And today it must work for Ukrainians.' — Ihor Terekhov

Ihor Terekhov's statements at the Davos Forum underscore the critical need for international support for Ukraine during the war. Increasing utility tariffs and taxes risks exacerbating the severe socio-economic problems already present in the country. The proposed focus on funding the social sphere and supporting entrepreneurs could prove strategically vital for stability in regions hardest hit by the conflict.